Rio Ferdinand, a former defender for Manchester United, has blasted the decision to exclude Matthijs de Ligt from scoring against Rangers in a pivotal Europa League match.

In the 24th minute at Old Trafford, the Dutch defender seemed to have handed the home team the lead from a corner.

The authorities disallowed his headed attempt from a corner after teammate center-back Leny Yoro committed a foul.

The referee’s on-field ruling was upheld by VAR officials, who determined that Yoro had pushed Robin Propper from the set piece.

On TNT Sports, Ferdinand declared, “I’m not having that.”

“That is gentle; he just touched him and leaned a little bit on him.”

“He’s fallen like a deck of cards.”

Ally McCoist, a fellow commentator, supported Ferdinand’s interpretation of the contentious event.

McCoist remarked, “I don’t disagree with you.” “But I think there is enough for him to not change his mind once the referee gives it.”

Ferdinand continued to be critical of the referee’s decision on X, writing ‘Never a foul….’ and calling it ‘nonsense’.

Ferdinand said that after reviewing the event at halftime, he thought the goal that was disallowed should have “100 percent” stood.

Ferdinand remarked, “I thought it was very, very soft.” Leny Yoro may collide with Propper, but I don’t believe there is enough contact for a foul. At first glance, it’s a good header.

“Yoro, he goes over with just a little touch there.” In my opinion, it’s too simple. No big deal, just a gentle prod.

“I firmly believe that it ought to have been a goal.” I won’t reconsider after looking at the photos.

After De Ligt’s disallowed effort, the first half at Old Trafford ended goalless, with Ruben Amorim’s team unable to score.

Rangers and Manchester United both entered the match hoping to place in the top eight of the Europa League.

They would automatically qualify for the last-16 with a top-eight result, avoiding the necessity for a two-leg play-off the following month.